The Bierdo Visits Sehkraft Brewing

Good things happen to those who wait, Bierdos (just ask my editor!) I’m finishing this beer article on the lawn after my deadline, while at and inspired by the Edward Sharpe and Magnetic Zeros show at Wolf Trap, wishing they had bottled the treasures I just drank at Sehkraft Brewing to-go for my cooler at the show. Poor planning, I know. But sometimes writing, like beer drinking, is done best where you feel at “Home.” Certainly, Sehkraft and Wolf Trap know this about beer and music.

For those of you who haven’t been to Arlington’s newest brewery (or maybe you have, but didn’t know the beer was finally released this month), I’ll momentarily introduce you to a new Clarendon nightlife hotbed of entertainment and local culture. With weekly music gigs from the area’s best talent for only $5 most nights, wine nights and tastings, fundraisers, open mics, kids’ programming, and even a monthly trivia night, Sehkraft makes you feel like it’s been there for years.

And maybe that’s because it’s the sister bar to Westover Market and Beer Garden just down the street on Washington Boulevard, your home for craft beer, comfort food, fire pits, camel burgers, kimchi, a book club and patio fun for over 10 years (or 50, if you count the market). Add in their killer menu, beer selection and butcher shop, and it’s a win-win, Arlingtonians (times two!)

The fact that I’m even explaining this to you all makes me feel silly, being a local, but I’m happy to point you in the right direction. Simply put, both places rock just as much as this show does. Here’s what to drink at CEO Devin Hicks’ Sehkraft Brewing.

Hoptastic IPA, 6.9 percent: Every place has that one “money” beer. This is the one for me. Cha-ching! Yummy tropical citrus hops with piney notes, it finishes crisp and juicy (in fact, it makes my mouth all watery in anticipation of the next sip, it’s so good) with residual bitterness at the tail end to let you know it’s an IPA. Absolutely loaded with hops. Rating: Hopsurd!

Good to Go Session IPA, 4.8 percent: Crisp citrusy session IPA that’s dry and drinkable. You can drink these like water all night long on the patio. Rating: “GREAT to go!”

Uber-Awesome IPL, 6.5 percent: Tons of hops create this floury, bright, citrus India Pale lager with a huge, bitter finish. Rating: Bitter beer nerds and hop heads rejoice – this has a ton of both just for you, kiddos!

Amber, 5.5 percent: Not a hop head and want something smooth? Try this caramel-infused, malty red ale. Rating: Decent and super drinkable. A great place to start!